Danielle Green, a former Ole Miss Rebels women’s basketball standout, Iraq War veteran, and Purple Heart recipient, received one of sports’ most prestigious honors, the Pat Tillman Award for Service, at the ESPY Awards. Green’s incredible life journey, marked by sacrifice, tenacity, and a steadfast devotion to assisting others, distinguishes her as a true beacon of hope and resilience. Her story continues to inspire the Ole Miss community, veterans, and many others around the country.
Danielle Green earned her name in Oxford as a dedicated and hardworking player for the Ole Miss Rebels women’s basketball team. Green, known for her tenacity, leadership, and team-first attitude, personified the real spirit of a Rebel. Whether diving for lost balls, shutting down opponents on defense, or cheering her teammates, Green left an effect on everyone she met. Her discipline and heart on the court mirrored the strength she would later demonstrate on a far wider platform.
After graduation, Green decided to serve her country by enlisting in the United States Army with the same tenacity she had on the basketball court. Green’s life changed permanently in 2004, while she was deployed to Iraq. A rocket-propelled grenade struck her while she was on a rooftop guard position in Baghdad, causing her left arm below the elbow to be amputated. Many people’s lives may have ended with a horrific injury. However, for Danielle Green, it marked the start of a new chapter characterized by resilience, purpose, and service to others.
When Green returned home, she refused to let adversity define her. Instead, she focused on assisting other veterans in overcoming the hardships of post-combat life. She received a master’s degree in counseling and dedicated herself to assisting injured warriors and their families. Green’s work with the Department of Veterans Affairs and different charitable groups has had a significant impact on many people’s lives. She has offered mentorship, direction, and hope to soldiers dealing with physical impairments, emotional scars, and the difficult transition to civilian life.
The Pat Tillman Award for Service is given to people who embody the characteristics of selflessness, leadership, and service to others – values that distinguished Pat Tillman’s life and that Danielle Green exemplifies so well. In accepting the honor, Green spoke with humility and grace. “This award isn’t just about me,” she explained. “It’s about all of us who rise after we fall, who choose to serve, and who believe in the power of lifting each other up.”
Danielle Green’s tale is a source of great inspiration for the Ole Miss family and anybody who believes in the enduring power of the human spirit. She is a true Rebel, a hope-filled warrior who reminds us that light can shine even in the darkest of times. Her legacy will inspire future generations to face challenges with courage and serve others with compassion.